Gray runs for Rochester’s District 8 seat; opponent drops out

ROCHESTER — Longtime city resident James Gray is hoping to win residents’ votes for state representative in District 8, which is comprised of Ward 6 in Rochester.

Gray’s opponent in the race, Democrat Jeremy Bourgeois, told Foster’s on Friday that he wishes to drop out of the race, because he is moving to Durham to pursue a job. While Bourgeois’ name will still appear on the election ballot, he said he is taking steps to officially quit the race and not be a qualified candidate.

Gray, 63, of 21 Roulx Drive, a Republican candidate, serves on the School Board and Planning Board. He is also a longtime moderator for Ward 6. Before retiring in April 2010, he worked as a senior engineering manager for industrial operation at Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C. He is also a Vietnam veteran, who served the country between 1967 and 1970.

“My vision is that Rochester remains a city where my grandchildren want to live and raise their families. A city where business wants to locate to take advantage of the reasonable taxes, both state and local, and that provides a well educated workforce,” said Gray in a recent email.